Pedagogical principles that support the prioritisation of meaningful experiences in physical education: conceptual and practical considerations

Background An emphasis on meaningfulness may facilitate the types of experiences that are more likely to lead children towards a commitment physical activity participation in ways enrich quality their lives. While several authors have highlighted importance prioritising meaningfulness, direction is lacking how teachers can consistently and intentionally foster meaningful for pupils education.Purpose Our purpose this paper draw conceptual understandings propose coherent set pedagogical principles support making decisions pupils.Pedagogical Principles Interrogation concepts provides two preliminary teaching meaningfulness. First, personal nature identifying as indicates value adopting democratic approaches allow ownership individualisation experience. Democratic include fostering inclusive environments helping actively make authentic connections between lived inside outside classroom communities. Second, introspective retrospective characteristics points central role reflection. Reflective capture continuity experience (past-present-future) help look back generate awareness what makes an while also moving toward future experiences. These provide insight into ideas actions do not represent approach where prioritised.Conclusions concept-based practical facilitating education research education.